Page 72 of I Knew He Was Trouble
Since the shift I felt between us when we almost kissed under the mistletoe pumpkin, every little touch with Kelsey drives me insane. Something as innocent as her elbow touching my arm has my eyes dragging down to her lips. I would pull her into my arms and kiss her right now, but I can’t kiss her the way I want to—the way she deserves—with Evie around. I don’t even know if Kelsey wants me to kiss her. So, instead, I shove down my attraction—pour water on the romantic tension sizzling between us, making it fizzle out.
I clear my throat, ready to ask about her day, but she steps toward her house. “I should get home. Also, Evie hasn’t started her homework yet.” She grimaces. “Sorry, I meant to have her do it, but I underestimated how long it would take us to set up all the flamingos.”
“Don’t worry about it. Have a good night, Kels.”
I like the sound of her nickname on my lips. I’m sure it would only be rivaled by the feel of her lips pressed against mine.
I’m guilty as charged for watching her walk a whopping ten feet to her front porch. She turns and shoots me a mischievous grin. That little minx knew I was watching. Maybe she evenwantedme to watch.
She slips inside, leaving me wanting so much more.
The verdict is in. I need to ask Kelsey on a real date as soon as possible.This week, I internally declare. Once we have the opportunity to talk, I hope all of our feelings will be laid out in the open. And maybe then I can finally find out what her perfect lips taste like.
Now that it’s Friday, I’m filled with equal parts excitement and dread. I always look forward to the weekend, especially now when I get to spend more time with Evie. But I’m also dreading today because of the promise I made to myself to ask Kelsey on a real date by the end of the week. Since it’s the last day I’m guaranteed to see her after work, it looks like today is the chosen one.
“Are you finished with your breakfast?” I ask Evie, motioning to her plate of mostly eaten eggs and toast.
“Yeah.” She hands it to me. I rinse it in the sink and put it in the dishwasher when there’s a knock at the door. “Who’s that?”
I shrug. It’s seven in the morning, so Evie’s guess is as good as mine. I dry my hands on the kitchen towel and move to answer the door. I open it to find one of the last people I expect to be standing there: Kelsey’s roommate, Alyssa.
My heart rate immediately picks up speed. “Is everything okay?”
Her eyes fill with pity. “Kelsey wasn’t feeling the best last night and went to bed early. I woke up in the middle of the night hearing her vomiting. I’m going to take her to the doctor as soon as they open, but I’m pretty sure she has the flu or a stomach bug.”
I frown, hating the idea of her not feeling well. As a doctor, I know that the flu strain going around right now is awful. I told Kelsey that myself. “Is she feeling any better this morning?”
Alyssa shakes her head. “She’s back and forth between the bathroom and sleeping. I just wanted to let you know that she obviously won’t be able to pick up Evie from school today. Mallory already said she could hang out in her classroom, though.”
I nod. “Thanks for taking care of Evie.”
“It was Kelsey’s idea.” Alyssa smiles softly. “She needed to make sure Evie had someone to watch her.”
Kelsey shouldn’t have to worry about Evie when she’s this sick, but it means the world to me that she did. “That’s very kind of her. Is someone able to check on Kelsey today? Does she need anything?”
“I wish we could, but Mallory will be at school, and Shayna is working a full shift at Shirley’s Florist. My first appointment for the day canceled, so I’m able to take her to the doctor, but then I have a full day at the salon.”
“She doesn’t have any family nearby?” For all the time I’ve spent with Kelsey, I know next to nothing about her family.
Alyssa grimaces. “It’s not my story to tell, but let’s just say we’re pretty much all Kels has.”
My heart breaks for her. I don’t know what I’d do without Tess, Evie, and Aunt D. Even though my parents are off living their dream right now, I’ve never questioned if they love me. I wish Kelsey had a family that made her feel the same way.
“I’m sorry to hear that.” I shift uncomfortably. “I feel bad that she’ll be home alone all day.”
Alyssa pats my arm. “Me too, but she’s been taking care of herself for a long time.”
But she shouldn’t have to, I respond internally. “Let me know if you think of anything I can do,” I say instead.
“I will.” Alyssa indicates her house. “I should make sure she’s getting around okay so I can get her to the doctor. I’ll see ya around.”
I’m still thinking about Kelsey as I drop Evie off at school…and when I meet with my patients for the day…and as I take my lunch break. Especially since Alyssa texted me this morning letting me know the doctor confirmed that she had the nasty stomach bug going around.
I pop the last bite of my chicken salad sandwich into my mouth when there’s a knock on my office door. “Come on in,” I say around my mouthful.
Nadine steps into my office and shuts the door. “What in tarnation is wrong with you today?”
I take a sip of water. “I’m not sure what you’re talking about.”
